University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Based largely on a peer-review exercise, this module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the process of scientific publication. Topics include journal author guidelines, review article types, how to write a good review article, how to produce a critique of a review article, how to write to a journal editor and to respond to reviewer comments. Other apsects discussed include open access publishing, paper authorship, the ethics of publication, predatory journals
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognise and explain scientific writing
  2. Describe the structure of different kinds of scientific papers
  3. Produce well-written mini-review abstract, introduction/background, subsections and conclusions
  4. Explain the aims, principles and limiations of the peer review process
  5. Produce a well-written critique of a mini-review paper
  6. Respond to peer reviews and write a letter to a journal editor
  7. Produce a well-written mini-review on a specialist topic
  8. Explain the different kinds of journal and author metrics, as well as journal and country rankings within different science disciplines.
  9. Explain the responsibilities of different publication 'agents', from junior to senior authors, institutions and publishers.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Scientific Writing" by D. R. Lindsay
    ISBN: 9780643100466.
    Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING
  2. "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk
    ISBN: 9389157129.
    Publisher: General Press
    Chapters: All
The above information outlines module BES519: "Scientific Writing" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.